Wallflowers on bill with Clapton at Mohegan Sun

Sean Spillane

Published 2:07 pm, Tuesday, April 2, 2013

AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 17: Jakob Dylan of The Wallflowers performs in support of the bands' Glad All Over release at the Frank Irwin Center on March 17, 2013 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)
Photo: Tim Mosenfelder, Getty Images

AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 17: Jakob Dylan of The Wallflowers performs in...

AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 17: Jakob Dylan of The Wallflowers performs in support of the bands' Glad All Over release at the Frank Irwin Center on March 17, 2013 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)
Photo: Tim Mosenfelder, Getty Images

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When The Wallflowers decided to go on hiatus around 2007, the band members knew it would be a while before they got back together.

They just didn't think it would be so long.

Aside from a summer tour in 2009 to promote a greatest-hits album, the group didn't resurface until releasing a new album, "Glad All Over," in October.

Meanwhile, singer-guitarist Jakob Dylan put out two solo albums, and the other musicians stayed busy with other projects.

Bass player Greg Richling said those other projects were part of the reason the hiatus was longer than planned.

"I think our break was never intended to be a permanent one," he said during a recent phone interview from his Los Angeles home. "I think it just took a little bit longer to get everyone back together because everyone got busy doing other things on the break.

"Certainly, the focus was to come back with something new and fresh musically and then go tour, as opposed to the other way around."

Richling said all of the members came back with a new perspective on the band -- and some new musical ideas -- which found their way into the new record.

He kept busy working as a producer on records by new artists and formed a side band with former Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam drummer Jack Irons (now a member of The Wallflowers). On a personal note, Richling's son was born in 2005 and the break gave him more time to spend with him.

"The break was needed and it was really healthy because everybody got to experience doing different things," he said. "When we came back to the band, it helped present a fresh take on our own band."

"Glad All Over" received great reviews upon its release and Richling feels it's because the fun atmosphere of the studio found its way into the album. The Wallflowers made a concerted effort to keep the sessions fresh and spontaneous.

"We went in and made up the music on the spot for the lyrics that Jakob had already written," he said. "I think it's tough to hide that we were having a good time in there, and I think people are just responding to that. We were having a lot of fun and it was the easiest experience we ever had."

That attitude is most evident on the first single from the album, "Reboot the Mission," which featured a contribution from Mick Jones of The Clash, which was a thrill for the band members.

"We sent a couple tracks to London to see if he was interested in partaking, thinking he'd choose one," Richling said. "But word got back that he loved both of them and so he sang and played guitar on `Misfits and Lovers' and `Reboot the Mission.'

"It's not that we're looking for any validation, but I can't lie and say it didn't feel good when Mick Jones said he really liked the tunes. It was a cool moment. Those are the things you live for."

To help promote "Glad All Over," The Wallflowers have landed the coveted opening slot on Eric Clapton's tour, which comes to the Mohegan Sun Arena Friday, April 5.

"We're really excited," Richling said. "We love Eric Clapton and his music and we always have. We're more than proud to be asked to open his 50th anniversary tour, which is an amazing feat in and of itself.

"He's got a great band behind him, as usual, and we're all looking forward to being fans and picking our jaws off the floor while he plays.